Class overview | |
---|---|
Name | Suffren class |
Builders | |
Operators | French Navy |
Succeeded by | Horizon class |
Built | 1962–1967 |
In commission | 1967–2008 |
Completed | 2 |
Retired | 2 |
General characteristics (at retirement) | |
Type | Frigate |
Displacement | |
Length | 157.6 m (517 ft 1 in) oa |
Beam | 15.54 m (51 ft 0 in) |
Draught | 7.4 m (24 ft 3 in) |
Propulsion | |
Speed | 34 knots (63 km/h; 39 mph) |
Range | 5,100 nmi (9,400 km; 5,900 mi) at 18 knots (33 km/h; 21 mph) |
Complement | 355, including 23 officers |
Sensors and processing systems |
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Electronic warfare & decoys |
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Armament |
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The Suffren class were two anti-air frigates of the French Navy, designed to protect a fleet against air threats, surface ships, and submarines. They were the first French ships to be built specifically as guided missile frigates. Ordered in 1960, the class was intended to be more numerous, but budget pressure from the French nuclear weapons program limited their number. The lead ship, Suffren, entered service in 1967 and the second ship, Duquesne, in 1970. They remained in service until the 2000s when they were replaced by ships of the Horizon class.